Cincinnati Firefighters Assaulted While Responding to Apartment Fire on Reading Road, Two Injured and Three Suspects Arrested

A disturbing and violent incident unfolded on the evening of April 3, 2025, when Cincinnati firefighters were assaulted while responding to a fire at an apartment complex on Reading Road. The situation escalated quickly, leaving both the emergency responders and the surrounding community in shock.

According to the Cincinnati Fire Department, a call was received around 8:00 PM about a fire in a third-floor apartment of the building located at 3240 Reading Road. Firefighters and paramedics immediately rushed to the scene to control the blaze and ensure the safety of any residents. Upon arrival, fire crews began their efforts to put out the flames and evacuate those inside the building.

However, what should have been a routine emergency response quickly turned violent. As firefighters worked to manage the fire, a group of individuals approached the scene and began to disrupt their efforts. Reports indicate that a physical altercation broke out, during which firefighters were struck and shoved while attempting to secure the area and ensure their safety.

One firefighter, identified as Lt. Marcus Harper, sustained injuries after being punched in the face. Another firefighter, 24-year-old rookie Sarah Davis, was reportedly shoved to the ground while trying to remove a resident from the building. Both were transported to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, but their safety was briefly compromised due to the escalating violence. Thankfully, neither suffered any broken bones, but the emotional toll of the incident has left the department shaken.

“The safety of our crew members is our top priority,” said Fire Chief Daniel O’Connor. “We are deeply concerned by the actions of those involved in this incident. Our firefighters are public servants doing a job that is dangerous enough without having to deal with assault and interference. The actions of those individuals were not only reckless but also put lives at risk.”

Cincinnati Police responded to the scene shortly after the assault and arrested three individuals in connection with the attack. They face charges of assault, obstruction of justice, and interfering with emergency responders. Police say that the individuals who instigated the altercation were not residents of the building but had apparently gathered in the vicinity when the fire broke out. Authorities are continuing their investigation into the incident, and additional arrests could be made as they review surveillance footage from the scene.

The fire itself, which caused extensive damage to several units on the third floor, was eventually brought under control by firefighters, and there were no reported fatalities. However, several people were treated for smoke inhalation, and a few residents had to be relocated to temporary housing.

The assault on the firefighters has sparked outrage in the local community, with many residents and officials calling for greater protection for emergency responders. Cincinnati Mayor Sarah Williams expressed her concern over the attack in a statement, condemning the actions of those who chose to obstruct the emergency response. “Our firefighters and first responders risk their lives every day to protect our community, and this kind of behavior is unacceptable,” Williams said.

The fire department and the city have vowed to strengthen measures to ensure that emergency responders are safe while carrying out their duties. Plans are already in place to increase the presence of law enforcement at fire scenes and other emergency response locations to prevent such violent incidents in the future.

Community members have also rallied in support of the firefighters, with many expressing their gratitude for the dedication and bravery of Cincinnati’s first responders. A GoFundMe campaign has been set up to assist Lt. Harper and firefighter Davis with medical expenses and to support other firefighters impacted by the incident.

The attack on these emergency responders is a stark reminder of the challenges faced by those who risk their lives to protect others. The Cincinnati Fire Department continues to urge the public to respect and support the work of first responders, especially in times of crisis.

As the investigation continues, authorities are reminding citizens that interference with emergency responders is a serious offense that can have legal consequences. “Our firefighters and police officers put their lives on the line every day,” said Police Chief Randall J. Rogers. “We will continue to hold anyone who jeopardizes their safety accountable.”

The fire department has also made it clear that, despite this setback, they remain committed to their mission of serving and protecting the people of Cincinnati. “We will not be deterred by acts of violence. We are here to help our community, and we will continue to do so with the same dedication and courage that our residents expect from us,” said Chief O’Connor.